Coinciding with the Channel 4 series, a major exhibition at the British Library marking the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne opens on 23 April 2009.
Guest-curated by Dr David Starkey, the exhibition includes important and rarely displayed items from the library’s Henry VIII collections, plus loans from other national museums and collections. Among them will be:
- Henry VIII’s psalter
- Henry and Catherine of Aragon’s marriage contract
- Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours
- Announcement of Elizabeth I’s birth
- The diary of Henry’s son Edward VI
Watch video: David Starkey introduces the exhibition
Portraits, tapestry, armour, plate, jewellery and sculpture will also be on show, offering new insights into Henry VIII’s way of thinking and the huge changes that took place during his reign.
The accompanying events programme promises performances, talks, family events, screenings and more. Highlights include:
- Bank Holiday Monday 4 May: Henry VIII’s May Day celebration – an open house featuring Tudor re-enactments, sports, games and workshops
- Wednesday 24 June: a celebration and late opening with glorious live music by Alamire, specialists in medieval and Renaissance music, marking 500 years since the coronation of Henry
- Tuesdays 12 May, 2 June, 30 June: three lectures by Dr Starkey exploring different aspects of Henry’s reign.
Henry VIII: Man and monarch is open from 23 April to 6 September 2009, seven days a week, in the PACCAR Gallery at the British Library, London.
